The NBA season is almost over, and while this is a sad time for fans, it also means that the 2024 NBA offseason predictions are right around the corner. And with all the great players who will become free agents or trade candidates, we can look forward to an all-time exciting offseason.
Many players could and should move on before next season. With how stacked the league is right now, any team that's not active in the market is going to have a tough time. In this spirit, we will share with you our five best choices for the summer.
Klay Thompson is leaving the Warriors
Most of the rumors surrounding the NBA offseason currently center around the Golden State Warriors, and more specifically, Klay Thompson. The four-time NBA champion will become a free agent, but the team may not be willing or even able to offer him as much money as other teams could.
Thompson's latest statements make it sound like he knows he won't be in the Bay Area much longer. While he has spoken many times about his desire to retire as a member of the Warriors Organization, this is an unforgiving act.
LeBron James will withdraw from his deal with the Lakers
When talking about the business side of basketball, LeBron James is clearly one of the savviest players when it comes to making the most of his leverage. That's why there's absolutely no way he won't opt out of the next year of his contract.
James admitted he doesn't have much time left in the league. This means that he will try to get the last lucrative deal of his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers will do everything in their power to make sure that he stays in Southern California until the last day of his career.
Bronny James is going back to college
Most scouts agree that Bronny James is not ready to turn pro. While his defensive and basketball IQ are impressive, the rest of his game has yet to catch up with him. That's why he declared his participation in the NBA Draft while also entering the transfer portal.
However, Bronny's future in the NBA was never in doubt. He'll be a pro, at least while LeBron is still on the court. The Lakers want to make sure LeBron stays around, so they may use a second-round pick to acquire his first-born.
The Warriors will make a big move
Stephen Curry is undoubtedly one of the greatest guards in NBA history, if not the greatest. That's why, despite all their struggles and contradictions, the Warriors still believe they have a chance to win another championship with him at the helm.
The Warriors will likely let Klay Thompson and Chris Paul go, and they could also trade some of their young players. Their attempt to trade for LeBron shows that they are determined to get another star, and will leave no stone unturned to acquire another star.
Paul George will be broke
Paul George could become one of the NBA's hottest upcoming free agents. He has not signed a contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers yet, and the latest reports indicate that both parties are quite far apart in those talks at this moment.
The Philadelphia 76ers have enough cap space and assets to make a move for him, and they would like to pair him with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. They would instantly be one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference with him.